Nick's resignation statement

                                                                                    5 November 2019

Dear Constituent

I am writing to let you know that I have decided not to stand again as the Parliamentary Candidate for Arundel & South Downs. This has been a difficult decision, but after nearly 15 years as MP for this wonderful constituency I feel that this is the right time to move on.

I will be focusing on my new role as Chairman of the Countryside Alliance; on the think tank which I chair, The Project for Modern Democracy, and on my global work on tuberculosis and equality.

I am proud of the work I have done in Parliament, as a Shadow Cabinet Member and Minister, and in the constituency. I have done my best to stand up for local communities, and I will always be passionate about the countryside and in particular the South Downs which I have grown to love.

I will continue to give my loyal support to the Prime Minister and the Conservative Party. While I was one of the leaders of the remain campaign, I strongly believe it is the national and democratic interest to deliver the outcome of the referendum, and that is why I consistently voted for a deal.

I am also confident that Boris Johnson is committed to maintaining Britain’s leadership position on helping the poorest countries in the world; to supporting LGBT+ rights at home and abroad, and to building an inclusive Conservatism which can appeal to the whole country.

A vote for any Party other than the Conservatives will carry the same risk: that Jeremy Corbyn enters Downing Street, which would be devastating for our country. That is why I hope that Arundel & South Downs will continue to return a Conservative Member of Parliament, and I look forward to supporting my successor in the weeks and months ahead.

I am immensely grateful for the support and friendship which local people have given Jason and me, and I will miss working for the constituency a great deal. It has been my honour to be your elected representative.

With best wishes.

Yours sincerely

NICK HERBERT